TJ 230E vs 230D

[Mountain_d]

I purchased a 1978 TJ230E in November. I am curious what the difference is between a 230E versus a 230D? The D seems to be more common. From what I can tell by looking at pictures they seem very similar.
Mountain D

 

[Neilo]

That is a simple question with a complicated answer.

There were many production changes during the D series and a few in the E. So you can't compare all D with all E.

But a late 230D and an early 230E, the only real change is the Eaton transfer and the winch labeled Eaton.

[Neilo]

The E also has different engine options. Later on got but pan and frame options, doors. And later got Eaton w3 axles in place of 3127 or whatever they were.

[OntarioAl]

My late 230D came with Eaton axles (part of a 22 machine order) but apparently before the Eaton transfer case.
Compared to the Rockwell axles they replaced the Eaton's in a 230 are darn near bullet proof.
Cheers
Al
 

[Wood butcher]

May 230E has a longer front , gearmatic winch , 18.4 x 26 rubber, wide butt plate / fenders.
  Was told it is a 1984

[timberlinetree]

Our 230 super E is supposed to have a longer frame?

[Mountain_d]

Thanks everyone. Answered my question. One more question, I notice the 230A is newer than the 230D. Odd the newer machine would be labeled an "A". Does the A refer to something like automatic transmission or something similar?
Mounain D

[Neilo]

The A is a series. It doesn't relate to machine specifications.

Transmission is the second letter of the model. Eg 230gpeex. That is a power shift machine.

I think it is strange they used A series in the 80's because they used A series in 1965. The 1965 one is stamped AR though it is pretty easy to tell them apart and the differences in the machines.

[ehp]

my 230A is a 1993, I for sure have a longer front nose than that skidder in the picture , from what I was told my machine and a 240 are about the same machine, I got the heavy rearends but the guy that ordered this skidder put a gearmatic on it instead of the deere winch . I have no problems with the gearmatic really , its a super strong winch and mine releases very easy to get cable out

[larry1]

My 230 D  has rockwell diffs , T98 tans, hercules winch.My 230E has eaton diffs ,newprocess trans , hercules winch ,forward dash . The  latter is 2x the machine , both have 353 detroits .